Earlier this morning, Southamptonās official twitter feed were first to give Fantasy managers the heads-up of a potential double Gameweek 22. The Saintsā previously postponed trip to Chelsea ā cancelled due to the latterās World Club Championship involvement last month ā has now been pencilled in for Wednesday January 16.
Whether the league clash takes place all depends on the result of tomorrowās FA Cup Third Round match between the two clubs. If the game ends all square, the above-mentioned date will be utilised for a cup replay and the league match rescheduled for another, as yet unspecified, time ā if either side win, the double Gameweek will take place.
The news now adds an unexpected twist to the winter wildcard scenario. We could now, potentially, have back-to-back double Gameweeks to plan for, bearing in mind Arsenal and West Ham have a double the following week.
Southampton also visit Villa in Gameweek 22 and, while Chelsea face a testing trip to Stoke, thereās no doubt the home clash at the Bridge looks enticing, in spite of the Bluesā surprise loss to QPR last Wednesday. Indeed, Rafa Benitezās decision to hand Juan Mata and Eden Hazard brief second-half sub roles against Harry Redknappās side should ensure they both start tomorrowās match ā boosting the Bluesā chances of progress.
Demba Baās move to Stamford Bridge – confirmed at midday by the Blues – brings him immediately onto the radar. At this moment, Ba is still classified as a Newcastle player in Fantasy games, meaning managers could conceivably, have four Blues players for the double if they choose to load up on Benitezās side ā a very risky tactic, however, given weāll be wanting Arsenal and West Ham options in our squads immediately afterwards. The likes of Ross Turnbull could also come into the equation, offering us a cut-price short-term keeper option if Petr Cech remains sidelined.
While nothing is set in stone yet, the news at least shakes up our tactics and offers plenty variety to our approaches ā undoubtedly good news, given the many identikit RMWCT posts currently doing the rounds.
All eyes on St Maryās tomorrow afternoon, then.
